For the 2025 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 2,671 students in Carteret County, NC.
The top ranked public high schools in Carteret County, NC are Croatan High School, West Carteret High School and East Carteret High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carteret County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 76% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Carteret County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of North Carolina public high schools.
Carteret County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 87%, which is more than the North Carolina average of 85%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Croatan High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Carteret County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Croatan High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1 Cougar Lane
Newport, NC 28570
(252) 393-7022
Newport, NC 28570
(252) 393-7022
Grades: 9-12
| 1,015 students
Rank: #22.
West Carteret High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
4700 Country Club Road
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 726-1176
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 726-1176
Grades: 9-12
| 1,097 students
Rank: #33.
East Carteret High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3263 Hwy 70 E
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-3514
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-3514
Grades: 9-12
| 546 students
Rank: #44.
Bridges School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
140 Vashti Dr
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 808-3040
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 808-3040
Grades: 6-12
| 13 students
Carteret County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Bridges Alternative School (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
1108 Bridges Street
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 808-3040
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 808-3040
Grades: PK-12
| 68 students
1108 Bridges Street
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 726-1601
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 726-1601
Grades: 9-12
| 43 students
3505 Arendell St
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 222-7990
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 222-7990
Grades: 12-13
| 48 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Carteret County, NC?
The top ranked public high schools in Carteret County, NC include Croatan High School, West Carteret High School and East Carteret High School.
How many public high schools are located in Carteret County?
4 public high schools are located in Carteret County.
What is the racial composition of students in Carteret County?
Carteret County public high schools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Carteret County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Carteret County include: Croatan High School vs. West Carteret High School, West Carteret High School vs. Croatan High School, West Carteret High School vs. East Carteret High School
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